Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction CBCF - SEPTA

Chemical Dependency Counseling/Treatment Program

Provides intensive Chemical Dependency education to all new offenders, and individual and group counseling to those classified as needing and/or requesting services. The short-term goals include facilitating offender recognition of alcohol and other drug problems, and their initiation of positive lifestyle changes conducive to long-term abstinence from chemicals and the reduction of recidivism. For those assessed as chemically dependent, individual counseling is provided as well as Recovery Group and Relapse Prevention Group. A strong emphasis is placed on the offender developing a realistic and viable release/aftercare plan.

Counseling Program

Counseling is offered to each offender through a primary counselor. In individual and group sessions, the counselor and offender coordinate treatment plans; define needs, values, and goals; focus on psychological stressors; and facilitate referrals to community service agencies.

Sex Offender Treatment Program

A weekly group co-facilitated by Tri-County Mental and Health Counseling, Inc. comprised of SEPTA offenders and community members that addresses the issues of offense accountability, victim empathy, relapse prevention and treatment education.

Thinking for a Change

A problem-solving group that uses cognitive restructuring and social skills interventions. The group is intended to teach offenders that thinking controls behavior, which reinforces the total behavior concept in Reality Therapy. The primary focus is Cognitive Self Change, Problem Solving and Social Skills.

Anger Management Education

A program that addresses anger management through video tapes, completion of a workbook and group discussion. The program focuses on the fact that anger is a choice an individual makes and not caused by an outside force.

Education Program

The Education Program includes instructional services in Adult Basic Education (ABE), Educational Resource Center, GED preparation, basic literacy, Life Skills/Positive Solutions, college preparation, bookmobile, SEPTA library, and offender newsletter. Offenders, who are high school graduates, have a GED, or college work, are trained as a volunteer peer-tutor or teacher’s aide.

Classroom Instruction/GED Program

Offenders are divided into classes based on TABE scores: Literacy, Pre-GED, and GED. It is mandatory for any offender not in possession of a high school diploma or GED to participate in the GED Program

Education Resource Center

A computer-aided instructional lab. Offenders who need to obtain their GED are required to complete adult education lessons. Other offenders may attend to brush up on academic skills. Many offenders type phase letters, resumes, and cover letters. The offender newsletter is produced monthly

Life Skills

Attended by all offenders, includes “Living Skills” by Hazelden. Speakers from the community supplement the program with topics of local interest.

Positive Solutions

A seven session course helps the offender focus on thought and decision making habits through interactive activities that develop communication skills.

Community Justice

SEPTA provides services and opportunities that encourage offenders to take responsibility for their actions. Opportunities are based on victim and community input and are fashioned in a way that seeks to facilitate the repairing of damages and injuries caused by the offender

Restitution Program

Financial payments to the victim which is used as a way to increase an offender’s responsibility and understanding of the concrete nature of victim loss.

Community Service Program

In addition to being employed, the SEPTA offender must complete a minimum of 20 hours of community service. Community service projects serve as structured work and skill-building activities for offenders, which, in turn, benefit state/local government agencies, cities, schools, charitable organizations and non-profit entities.

Community Skills

Provides opportunities for offenders to learn socialization skills and community responsibility through participation in recreational and other community activities such as shopping, haircut and library outings.

Work Release Program

The Work Release Program offers offenders the chance for employment through assessment, job placement services and work adjustment counseling. Job Clinic covers resume preparation, employment applications, good grooming and interviewing techniques. Monies earned or saved are used to pay medical expenses, per diem, restitution, court costs, taxes, child support, or outstanding debt.

Medical Services

Upon intake, offenders are given a preliminary health assessment by intake officers. Within the first week of an offender’s arrival, medical staff complete an in-depth medical examination. The medical staff ensure that all medical needs of offenders are met in addition to assisting staff in medically related areas. The medical staff also serves as an integral participant in educating the offender about health-related issues.

Recreation

Offenders are encouraged to participate in recreational activities that make healthy and productive use of their time. Offenders are offered a wide range of leisure activities which include, but are not limited to: pool, basketball, softball, volleyball, horseshoes, board games, reading, music and television.